In partnership with the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Human Resources and Learning Committee, this webinar will highlight some of the potential limitations of traditional police training, which often relies on linear, step-by-step approaches, and present the potential benefits of non-linear training methodologies grounded in ecological dynamics.
The presenters will provide perspectives and data to support that this type of training better prepares officers to be highly adaptable, enabling them to successfully address the messy, complex, and unpredictable performance problems they encounter on the street.
Real-world training examples will be presented that demonstrate the positive effects of creating non-linear learning opportunities that more closely represent elements of the operational policing environment. More specifically, the presenters will focus on the results of an evaluation of the impact of evidence-informed, operationally based changes to firearms and police defensive tactics training on operational outcomes.
Presenters will also discuss how a long-term partnership between Carleton University’s Police Research Lab and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has led to improvements in training on critical incident stress, body-worn cameras, use of force, and de-escalation.
Meet Our Presenters
Dr. Simon Baldwin, Manager, Operational Research Unit, Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Dr. Simon Baldwin is the manager of the RCMP’s Operational Research Unit and has worked in police use of force and evidence-based policing for nearly two decades. He is an Adjunct Research Professor in the Psychology Department at Carleton University. He holds a doctor of philosophy in Psychology from Carleton University’s Police Research Lab, for which he was awarded the University Medal for Outstanding Graduate Work at the doctoral level.
His research focuses on the areas of police training, stress physiology and performance, crisis intervention and de-escalation, body-worn cameras, and the prevention of arrest-related deaths. He is Co-Chair of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police’s Research Advisory Committee and interim Co-Chair of the Use of Force, Intervention, and De-escalation Committee.
Dr. Baldwin is a recipient of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and King Charles III’s Coronation Medal for his work on police use of force reporting and improving oversight, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making. He was also awarded the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s 40 Under 40 award for exemplifying leadership, dedication, and service to the law enforcement profession.
Dr. Craig Bennell, Professor, Department of Psychology, and Director, Police Research Lab, Carleton University
Craig Bennell is a Professor in the Department of Psychology as well as the Director of the Police Research Lab at Carleton University. He sits on the Research Advisory Committee and Use of Force Committee for the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. He also sits on the Advisory Board for the Canadian Police College and Co-Chairs the Program Advisory Committee for the Police Foundations Program at Algonquin College.
Most recently, he has assumed the role of Co-Chair for the Research Advisory Council of 30Forward, a new initiative designed to address the challenges and opportunities for women in law enforcement. Together with a great group of students and collaborators, he partners with Canadian police services to conduct research related to evidence-based policing, police use of de-escalation strategies and use-of-force, mental health crisis response, and public understanding of policing.
Please register by Monday, January 26 at noon (ET).
If you are unable to complete the survey, please register by emailing communications@cpkn.ca.